Baku. 5 February REPORT.AZ/ “Minsk 2019” II European Games Operational Committee (MEGOC) operational consultant Samir Mammadov’s “Report” interview
– It was a little unexpected that you were assigned to the “Sportsmen’s Village” in Minsk and then to your current position. Were you assigned to these positions based on your experience in Azerbaijan?
– Yes, I worked at the 1st European Games “Baku 2015” and the 4th Islamic Solidarity Games “Baku 2017” in Azerbaijan. Then I was advised to come to Minsk. I have been in Belarus since September last year.
– What tasks did you work during this process?
– I worked as a construction chief in “Baku 2015” and “Baku 2017”. However, we also helped other departments. Later II. It was suggested that I come to the European Games. When I came here last September, I was not only the first Azerbaijani, but also the first foreigner.
– Then the composition expanded?
– On January 8, 2 more Azerbaijanis – Arzu Sultanlı and Tural Iskenderli came to me as assistants. From March 1, they will be assigned to the positions of facility management and construction supervisor, respectively.
– How was your appointment as the head of Sportsmen’s Village?
– “Minsk 2019”, II. It was on the recommendation of Georgi Katuli, director of the European Games. He saw that I was fully informed not only about Sportsmen’s Village, but also about other sections. In my interviews with foreign consultants, he saw that my experience in this work is not only related to Sportsmen’s Village, but also in other areas. Later, he considered it appropriate for me to be the speaker of all departments. For now, all the work is entrusted to me. On February 19, another man from Azerbaijan will come and head the Sportsmen’s Village. This man is Andrei Polovinkin. He was interviewed on my recommendation.
– It seems that thanks to “Baku 2015” and “Baku 2017” many Azerbaijani specialists have trained…
– Yes, thanks to Azad Rahimov, Minister of Youth and Sports, Elchin Safarov, Corporate Director of Baku-2015 I European Games Operational Committee, Sports Village Mayor, Baku-2017 IV Islamic Solidarity Games Operational Committee Corporate Director Elchin Safarov. Dear Minister, he said that you have been training for the future, not for today. Therefore, they sent us to different courses. Dear Minister and Ambassador, the teacher helps and supports us even in small details.
– II. Can the number of Azerbaijani experts competing in the European Games increase in the future?
– Yes, it will increase gradually.
– What is the level of preparations for “Minsk 2019”?
– Compared to last year, everything has become clearer for everyone. Everyone II. He understands the importance of the European Games. Things became more intense. Although they approached the events superficially, they gradually saw the demands and began to show a serious approach from January.
– What works have already been started?
– Recruitment of personnel for all departments has started. “Baku 2017” I European Games Operational Committee had more than 1000 employees. II in MEGOC. They thought that 50-60 men would work for the European Games. However, as the demands of the European Olympic Committee (EOC) increased, they saw that this was not possible. There should be 10 men in each section. There are also works to be done in the facilities according to EOC requirements. As a result, they began to speed things up.
– Does the government of Belarus allocate the necessary amount of funds for preparatory work?
– Yes, it separates. There is no problem with yellow backgrounds.
– Are you expecting a higher level in Minsk 2019 than Baku 2015?
– From the language of foreigners 1. The European Games were amazing. Nothing like that can happen after that. “Minsk 2019” has very few sports. Therefore, there will not be a competition on the scale of “Baku 2015”. The facilities and stadiums in Baku were also big.
– However, the Belarusian government announced that no additional construction will be made in connection with the Games…
– These are temporary buildings. Tent, cabin, etc. It should be prepared according to the requirements of the departments. The construction of additional sports facilities is not planned.
– What kind of innovations can there be?
– There were many foreign experts in Azerbaijan. They gave this name so that foreigners could read us. However, in Belarus, 99 percent prefer experts. This benefits them both financially and in terms of promoting their own people. It can only be this kind of innovation. It’s too early to say anything else. Demands are gradually emerging. Based on these, innovations are possible.
– Will it be possible to deliver the stadium planned for the Opening and Closing ceremonies in Minsk on time?
– Yes. The stadium is scheduled to be delivered in June this year.
